06-05-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-June 5, 2006 3075 to $1,147,000. He purchased the property in 1996 and said the building is in poor condition with plumbing and electrical updates needed. He would like to renovate the building and feels it should be appraised at $550,000. Mr. Klein said the city is currently reviewing the property and will make a recommendation at the next meeting. Ben Anvery owns Security Self-Storage located at 3825 34th Avenue South and 402 25th Street North, Fargo. The properties are mini-storage facilities, which he purchased on November 1, 2005, for $2.1 million. He noted that part of the purchase price included business and other expenses. His valuation increased by $426,000 in one year and he feels the assessment is incorrect. He said a larger, newer facility located just a few blocks from their property pays one-third less in real estate taxes. Bruce Pantzke, partner in the business, was present and said the city should consider nationwide cap rates when placing values on properties such as these. Mr. Anvery said based on the current value, it costs $28 per square foot in taxes opposed to a newly built facility at $18 per square foot. Mr. Klein will request written documentation from the Fargo Assessor by June 30th in order to provide a recommendation at the next equalization meeting. Ray Diemert, 204 1st Avenue East, Buffalo, questions the assessment procedures in the rural county. He receives a veteran's exemption on his residence; therefore, his concern is with the land value. He is fighting for the principle and not for the dollars involved. Mr. Klein has reviewed the appeal and feels the land valuation is fair. He said lots in similar size on the north side of Buffalo where Mr. Diemert lives are valued the same at $16,000. The lots on the south side are valued at $14,000; however, other factors are taken into consideration besides the square footage when placing a value on land. Mr. Klein said the difference would be about $50 or $60 in taxes and his recommendation would be to deny Mr. Diemert's appeal. The board did not present a motion, so Mr. Klein said without a motion, the assessment will stand as submitted by the Buffalo City Assessor. Roger Ellingson, 1001 10th Avenue NE, West Fargo, owns a private shop located at this address. He said the property is valued as a commercial building, which he does not agree with since he uses it for his own personal use, not as a business. Mr. Klein will request written documentation from the West Fargo Assessor by June 30th in order to provide a recommendation at the next equalization meeting. Sheila Gibbs, 4528 3th Avenue NW, Reiles Acres, said her valuation increased from $202,000 to $213,000. She has looked at values on surrounding homes similar in size and feels the value on her property is much higher than the others. Steve Perreault, Reiles Acres City Assessor, was present and said he is willing to review the appeal and provide a comparison analysis by June 30th in order to provide a recommendation at the next equalization meeting. John Brayton, Kindred City Assessor, and Robert Clark, Kindred City Mayor, were present. Mr. Clark questions the 8% increase on all residential lots and structures in the City of Kindred based on sales in the area. Mr. Klein said 16 properties sold in Kindred last year with only two valued over 100% of market value. According to state law, the assessment needs to be 5% under or over market value. Mr. Klein feels the 8% increase is justified. Mr. Brayton discussed the school tax percentage of county real estate taxes and said the state needs to consider a change to help lower property taxes.